Methods for reducing the viscosity of a liquid &amp; increasing light hydrocarbon fractions

ABSTRACT

The subject of this patent application relates generally to industrial converting of liquids using acoustic mechanical vibrations (resonance excitation) with or without a magnetic source to influence viscosity, and more particularly to methods for reducing the viscosity of a liquid, improving fractionation efficiency, blending of liquids, liquids and solids and its effects upon a H 2 O mixed with hydrocarbon liquid.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to, and claims priority to U.S. provisionalapplication Ser. No. 62/833,643 filed on Apr. 12, 2019. The contents ofthe aforementioned application is incorporated by reference herein.Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patentsand published patent applications cited or referred to in thisapplication

BACKGROUND

Much of the crude oil that is being pumped out of the earth isclassified into different grades. The value of these grades ispropionate to the amount of lighter fractions (lower boiling pointfractions) produced in distillation, e.g. propane, butane, gasoline,naphtha, kerosene, as well as other fractions from the heavier oil.However, the value of the heavier oil that produce few of these lighterfractions, such as heavy oil, fuel oil, rectification residues and otherknown fractions (higher boiling point fractions) can be considered to beof a lower value.

Heavy crude oil is very difficult to transport to the final customer,e.g. through pipelines, rail cars, trucks and other means oftransportation. etc. Heavy crude oil or extra heavy crude oil is oilthat is highly viscous, and cannot easily flow from production wellsunder normal reservoir conditions. It is referred to as “heavy” becauseits density or specific gravity is higher than that of light crude oil.Heavy crude oil has been defined as any liquid petroleum with an APIgravity less than 20°. This includes bitumen, crude bitumen or asphalt,which is not to be confused with asphalt concrete. The largest reservesof crude bitumen or asphalt are found in the Canadian province ofAlberta in the Athabasca Oil Sands. These heavy oils have a viscositysimilar to that of cold molasses.

Physical properties that differ between heavy crude oils and lightergrades include higher viscosity and specific gravity, as well as heaviermolecular composition. In 2010, the World Energy Council (“WEC”) definedextra heavy oil as crude oil having a gravity of less than 10° and areservoir viscosity of over 10,000 centipoises. When reservoir viscositymeasurements are not available, extra-heavy oil is considered by the WECto have a lower limit of 4° API (i.e., with density greater than 1000kg/m³ or, equivalently, a specific gravity greater than 1 and areservoir viscosity of more than 10,000 centipoises) Heavy oils andasphalt are dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs). The method hereinis also applicable to hydrocarbon liquids and hydrocarbon containingliquids with density lower than water.

In some instances, when the viscosity of the oil is so thick that itdoes not flow easily, for example, when put into a pipeline. This canresult in a requirement that the oil be treated by cutting it withsolutions that can be expensive and environmentally damaging to produce.For instance, to create diluted bitumen, also known as DilBit, whichgenerally includes bitumen diluted with naphtha. Other forms of dilutedbitumen include syncrude, which is bitumen upgraded to synthetic crudeor synbit, which is synthetic crude blended with bitumen. Additionally,to reduce viscosity, the pipeline can be heated or the oil can beshipped through another means, for instance, in a tanker truck, heatedrailway car, or other energy consuming means of transportation. Each ofthese adds cost to the production of the oil, which is reflected inhigher operating costs, plus indirectly creating more environmentallydamaging processes, for producers. Additionally, during the refiningprocess of oil, among the fractions that can be separated out includethose that are sticky, darkly colored, even black, and highly viscous.Among these are rectification residues, refined bitumen and/or asphalt.

The distillation process tends to be heat intensive and can beenvironmentally challenging as heavy oil feed stock can require moreprocessing to create the lighter distillation cuts of value. To distillheavy crude oil, crude oil blends and vacuum residuum, atmosphericbottoms and other fractions of heavy crude oil can use a large amount ofenergy, and therefore, can result in high CO₂ emissions. This isespecially relevant in the use of visbreakers and/or delayed coker unitswhich extract lighter cuts from the heaviest cuts from atmospheric andvacuum distillation. The visbreakers and delayed coker units run at highpressures and high temperatures (like a reactor); which again creates anenvironmentally challenging environment.

The blending industry continues to create new blends that meet differentspecifications for commercial requirements, like low sulphur maritimefuels (IMO2020). However, the blending industry continues to have issueswith the molecular separation of the final blended fuels. To determine afuel blend, factors that are commonly evaluated include stability, whichis commonly dealt with through the addition of fuel additives. Theseadditives tends to be expensive and can be challenging when trying toidentify an environmentally friendly fuel blend.

The exploration and production of heavy crude oil, crude oil, bitumen,crude bitumen or asphalt can involve a process of extraction andcleaning which involves large amount of H₂O. This is used as steam instimulating flow below the surface, or in mining from the physicalsource of reservoir, sand, rock or other mineral, using for example,Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage, (SAGD). This oil water mix then has togo through a process of H₂O removal. The H₂O that is removed usually hasa small amount of hydrocarbon still within it. This then needs to beextracted through expensive filters or via settling ponds. This is aresource heavy, environmentally damaging and expensive process.

Methods are known that disclose techniques for reducing: (i) viscosity;(i), converting a proportion of the higher boiling components of crudeoil (e.g. heavy oil, fuel oil, etc. components); or, (iii) petroleumresidues to lower boiling point components (e.g. propane, butane,gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, etc. components). Several of these methodsuse resonance excitation of the crude oil, petroleum residues,hydrocarbon liquid, mineral oils, hydrocarbon solid and liquid blends,hydrocarbon H₂O blended liquid, by subjecting them to acousticmechanical vibrations.

Thus, there is a need to provide a device and a method that cancondition a liquid comprised of large molecules, such as heavy oil,recombining its molecular structure so that it has a lower viscosity tohelp the liquid to flow better, improve molecular stability and increasethe distillation of lighter boiling point fractions. Additionally, itcan help to reduce energy usage and CO₂ emissions that occur during thefractionation and production of diluents and solvents, as well as beingable to separate the hydrocarbons from hydrocarbon polluted H₂O in orderto reduce energy usage, expensive filtering processes and the reduceduse of settling ponds.

Further, there is a need for methods for convertinghydrocarbon-containing liquids, such as crude oil or petroleum residuum,hydrocarbon solid and liquid blends, H₂O mixed with hydrocarbon liquid,by use of a low intensity acoustic mechanical vibration sources with, orwithout, solid state magnets. There is also a need for a device and aprocess to make it possible to reduce viscosity, increase the percentageoutput of more-valuable lighter hydrocarbons, blending stability, andseparate hydrocarbons from H₂O. A device and a process described hereinis to help improve and refine the invention and create a commerciallyviable solution to the prior art that is described within this document.

In our view, their needs to be an alternative way of implementing thistechnology, that keeps the process to a simple industrialimplementation, reliable results, ultrasound contained, cost effective,environmentally (ESG) beneficial, to implement without creating a“cracked” molecular structure in crude oil, petroleum residuum, liquidblending, solid and liquid blending, or hydrocarbon blended with H₂Oetc. being converted.

The present invention allows to reduce the viscosity, increase theproportion of low boiling point components, plus stability in thetreated crude product by destabilizing complex structural units (CSU) inthe crude dispersion system of crude oil, components of crude, ormixtures thereof or components of crude such as petroleum residuum, withacoustic mechanical vibrations and with or without solid state magneticflux fields of low intensity.

SUMMARY OF THE DEVICE AND METHOD

In an aspect, a device and a method are disclosed to process one or moreliquids to reduce their viscosity, specific gravity, density, stabilityand to improve distillation properties. Among the liquids that can beprocessed using the device and a method are a heavy hydrocarbon crudeoil. In another aspect, following the application of an acousticmechanical vibration, including a resonance excitation, with or withouta solid state magnetic flux field, an upgraded hydrocarbon liquid can beproduced. In a further aspect, the invention also comprises a method anda procedure for converting one or more heavy hydrocarbon crude oils toproduce a lighter hydrocarbon crude oil. In an aspect, the inventionalso comprises a method and a procedure for (i) converting a pre-blendedliquid; (ii) mixing two or more liquids; (iii) mixing two or moreliquids that comprise a hydrocarbon, (iv) mixing two or more liquidsthat comprise a hydrocarbon solid; (v) processing a hydrocarbon toproduce a hydrocarbon liquid with improved characteristics; as well as,(vi) separating the hydrocarbon from a liquid that comprise ahydrocarbon and H₂O blend.

In an aspect, the present invention solves the problems described aboveby providing methods for reducing the viscosity of a liquid, increasingthe percentage of lower boiling point fractions in distillation andseparation of hydrocarbons from H₂O.

In another aspect, a device and method are disclosed to process oneliquid comprising a blend of two or more liquids, wherein the blendingoccurred prior to administration of the one pre-blended liquid to thedevice or mix two or more liquids to reduce their viscosity, specificgravity or density .

In another aspect, the device and method can also take a heavy fuel oiland following treatment, produce a lighter fuel oil.

In an aspect, the invention and inventive process also allows tocondition a heavy crude oil, and following a process to improve itsdensity, viscosity and other transportation and qualitative properties.

In an aspect, the invention and inventive process comprises a method andprocedure for converting a pre-blended liquid, mixing two or moreliquids of natural hydrocarbon liquid as well as converting hydrocarbonliquid to produce a hydrocarbon liquid with improved characteristics,whether for transportation or fractional processing.

In an aspect the invention and inventive process comprises a method andprocedure for mixing hydrocarbon liquids with solids to help improvestability, viscosity and distillation improvements below 350° C. In anaspect the invention and inventive process also comprises a method andprocedure for mixing two or more liquids as well as producing a lighterfuel oil from a heavy fuel oil.

In an aspect the invention and inventive process can also influencehydrocarbons from a hydrocarbon H₂O solution blend resulting in astratified liquid.

Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of aspects of the invention, areas ofdeployment, and results from field trials.

Objects of the invention are achieved by the method for treating a crudeoil and/or components of the crude, and/or components of the crude mixedwith H₂O according to claim 1 and through the use of the deviceaccording to claim 46.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES IN APPENDIX

FIG. 1 depicts a simple schematic drawing of the arts process.

FIG. 2 depicts a primary mechanical components of the HE-ART Converterdevice.

FIG. 3 depicts a working wheel (rotor) section and inside cavity/statorsection.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the casing of HE-ART Converter device andmagnets.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the HE-ART Converter device and magnets.

FIG. 6 depicts a working wheel (rotor) inside cavity, openings anddimensions.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the HE-ART Converter device, piping andmagnets.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the HE-ART Converter device pipingequipment.

FIG. 9 depicts the inventions usage in a refinery environment(upgrading)

FIG. 10 depicts the inventions usage in a E&P environment (upgrading &viscosity)

FIG. 11 depicts the inventions usage in a hydrocarbon life cycle.

FIG. 12 depicts the results of a 902 cst at 10° C., DilBit test.

FIG. 13 depicts the results of a 26553 cst at 10° C., DilBit test.

FIG. 14 depicts the results of a 41.7 cst at 50° C., Mazut/Naphtha test.

FIG. 15 depicts the results of a 1842 cst at 50° C., Bitumen/Gasolinetest.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses a method usingresonance excitation of a liquid with, or without, solid state magneticinfluence of low intensity, including, without limitation, a hydrogen,carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, through the use of an oscillatoryexposure of a liquid, including, without limitation, one liquid or amixture of two or more liquids, for deconstructive recombination oftheir chemical bonds at a molecular level to facilitate a relativelylower viscosity, increasing the percentage of lower boiling pointfractions in distillation, stability of the blended liquid, and theinfluence of hydrocarbons in H₂O, by the action using acousticmechanical vibrations (resonance excitation, ultrasonic oscillations)with, or without a solid state magnetic flux field of low intensity. Thecontents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Furthermore, the methods disclosed herein, are in at least oneembodiment carried out, using an acoustic mechanical device, also knownas a “HE-ART Converter Device” similar to that taught in NikolaiSelivanov, EP1260266 “Hydrogen Activator Device”. Thus, any referencemade herein to exemplary devices or structural components, includingthose disclosed herein, are intended to be referring to said HE-ARTConverter Device/Devices and/or structural components described inEP1260266, PCT/RU2002/000220 and EP0667386 in at least one embodiment.This HE-ART Converter device subjects the flow of liquid to be treatedto acoustic mechanical vibrations which gives out a low frequency toactivate specific molecular structures. The addition of solid statemagnets, as discussed in David Glass U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,872, creates amagnetic flux field that allows the liquids molecular structure toredistribute and stabilize in an ordered manner, so presenting theprocessed liquid to further processes to enhance upgrading, such as our‘Thermal Maturity Period’, (ART-TMP) process.

Through the use of the methods disclosed herein, in combination withsuch a ‘HE-ART Converter Device’, and in another embodiment, incombination with solid state magnets , a liquid, such as heavy oil,hydrocarbon liquid, rectification residues, hydrocarbon H₂O blendedliquid, etc., could be transformed such that the liquid that isconverted in an acoustic mechanical excitation device (HE-ART ConverterDevice), with or without passing through a solid state magnetic fluxfield: is made to flow better by reducing the viscosity; increasing itsstability of the liquid; and or increase the yield of more valuablelight hydrocarbons within the processed hydrocarbon based oil fractionobtained during the refinement and/or distillation of the liquid; andallow for the transport of the liquid or its fraction through apipeline, rail car, ship etc.; or extract hydrocarbons from thehydrocarbon H₂O blend. In at least this saves money, time, environmentalfootprint and effort. This same HE-ART Converter Device and process isalso capable of using resonance excitation to process one or mix two ormore liquids, including two or more different fractions obtained duringdistillation or from waste oil, rectification residues or differenttypes of oil obtained from different sources, or blend hydrocarbonsolids with one or more liquids, and separate one or more hydrocarbonliquids from H₂O.

For example, a heavy oil with a cutter, known as DilBit in Canada;(cutter is also known as diluent, which can be a less viscous fractionof oil obtained through the refining of a crude oil e.g. a gascondensate, naphthenes cut, gasoil cut or other light hydrocarbon cutand/or liquid). See FIGS. 12 & 13 for a representative Canadian DilBitresults.

Hydrocarbon Molecular Composition

In an embodiment, oil is comprised of at least one of the followinghydrocarbon molecules: alkanes (paraffins), naphthenes, aromatics and/orasphaltics. The concentration of each can vary, but alkanes generallycomprise between 15% to 60% of an oil; naphthenes comprise generallycomprise between 30% to 60% of an oil; aromatics comprise between 3% to30% of an oil and the remainder is asphaltics. For example, in CanadianDilBit, there can be on average a high asphaltine (14%) content.

Design—The Acoustic Mechanical Excitation Device (HE-ART ConverterDevice)

In an embodiment, the resonance excitation occurs through the transferof the energy created by acoustic mechanical vibrations (ultrasoundoscillations), by, without limitation, a source (rotor) placed into aliquid that is capable of operating on one of the basic low frequencies.

In an embodiment, this can include a device through which the liquid ismoving that places the liquid in direct contact or the proximal locationof the device capable of creating energy by acoustic mechanicalvibrations. Through the use of such a resonance excitation, theviscosity of a liquid, including without limitation, a hydrogen, carbonor sulfur bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil,including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil is reduced.The distillation of lower boiling point components, naphtha, gasoline,diesel, without limitation, percentage volume is increased. Hydrocarbonpolluted H₂O is processed so as to create separation of each fraction,without limitation, a hydrocarbon liquid, or solid, is blended withanother liquid is molecularly stabilized, without limitation. In anembodiment, a basic frequency abides by the common relationship:

For Hydrogen Conversion (4-64 kHz)

-   -   FN=F1N^(−1/2), where N>=1—the selected integer;    -   F1=63.992420 [kHz]—the basic hydrogen oscillation frequency at        N=1.

For Carbon Activation (1-8 kHz)

-   FN=F1N^(−1/2), where N>=1—the selected integer;-   Fi=7.99905 NF^(−1/2) [kHz]—the basic carbon oscillation frequencies    at N=1

In another embodiment, a method for resonant excitation of a singleliquid or a mixture of two or more liquids is administered through theexcitation of the hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquids with arotary hydrodynamic source.

In another embodiment, a method for resonant excitation of a mixture oftwo or more liquids, including H₂O, is administered through theexcitation of the hydrogen liquid with a rotary hydrodynamic source.

In an embodiment, a hydrodynamic source uses acoustic mechanicalvibration. In a further embodiment, the acoustic mechanical vibrationsare effectuated on a single liquid, or two or more liquids into a cavityof a rotor, (FIG. 2, no 2 and FIG. 3, no 3).

In a further embodiment the mechanical oscillations are effectuated on asingle liquid, or two or more liquids (FIG. 2, no 1) by moving theliquid through a/or a number of solid state magnetic flux field/fields(FIG. 4 no 14, FIG. 5, no 14, and FIG. 7, no 14), into a cavity of arotor, (FIG. 2, no 4 and FIG. 3, no 3). The liquid is accelerated by aninner impeller, inside the rotor, (FIG. 2, no 1 FIG. 3, no 4) comprisedof a set of backwards curved (aero foiled) centrifugal blades, thatrotates inside a single stator (FIG. 3, no 2).

In this embodiment, one, two or more liquids are discharged thorough aseries of outlet openings that are evenly spread on the peripheralcircumference of the rotor (FIG. 2, no5, FIG. 3, no 1&5, FIG. 6, no H,Plane A), into an annular chamber created by the stator coaxial wall andthe peripheral circumference of the rotor (FIG. 2 no 3 and FIG. 3, no2&3).

In a further embodiment (FIG. 3, no 1&5, FIG. 6, no H, Plane A), theoutlet openings are not evenly spread. In another embodiment theopenings are the same size. In a further embodiment, the openings are oftwo or more different sizes. In a still further embodiment, two or moreopenings are of the same size, while one or more openings are of adifferent size.

In an embodiment (FIG. 3, no 1&5, FIG. 6, no H, Plane A), at least twoor more openings are of the same size. In another embodiment, at leasttwo or more openings are of the same size and one or more openings areof a different size. In an embodiment, at least three, four, five, six,seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen,sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty or more openings are ofthe same size. In an embodiment, at least three, four, five, six, seven,eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen,seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty or more openings are of adifferent size.

In another embodiment, the single liquid, or two or more liquids, liquidand solids blends by moving the liquid into a cavity of a rotor,accelerated by an inner impeller comprised of a set of backwards curved(aero foiled) centrifugal blades (FIG. 3, no 4), that rotates inside asingle stator coaxial wall (FIG. 3, no2), or two stator coaxial walls orthree stator coaxial walls, or four stator coaxial walls, or five statorcoaxial walls.

Overview of the Acoustic Mechanical Device (HE-ART Converter)Design—Rotor & Stator (FIG. 3 & FIG. 6)

In an embodiment, a device for resonant excitation of liquids,including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bondedliquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, withoutlimitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, bitumen and DilBit, iseffectuated with the use of a rotary hydrodynamic source of acousticmechanical vibrations.

In an embodiment, and without limitation, a rotary hydrodynamic sourceof acoustic mechanical vibrations includes, without limitation, a rotor(4), a shaft resting on bearings and/or at least one rotor installed onthe shaft, wherein, the rotor includes, without limitation, a disc(rotor) with a peripheral annular wall (1) having a series of outletopenings for a liquid, (5) including, without limitation, ahydrogen-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil,including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, ahydrocarbon liquid mixed with a solid or a bitumen and DilBit, that areevenly spaced along the circumference; a stator, having, withoutlimitation, a wall coaxial to the rotor (91); an intake opening (90) forthe supply of a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen bondedliquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, withoutlimitation, a high paraffinic crude oil and Hydrocarbon blended withH₂O, that is capable of communicating with a cavity of the rotor; adischarge opening for outflow of a liquid, including, withoutlimitation, a hydrogen bonded liquid, including, without limitation, aheavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, ahydrocarbon liquid mixed with a solid or a bitumen or DilBit andHydrocarbon blended with H₂O; an annular chamber formed by the coaxialwall of the stator and/or peripheral annular wall of the rotor andcommunicating with the discharge opening of the stator, and a means fordriving the rotor with a preset rotation frequency, such that the valueof the external radius of the peripheral annular wall of the rotorconstitutes:

-   -   R=2.8477729 ^(n−2/3)0.10 4 [mm], where n=14.651908 F        3[r.p.m.]—the rotation frequency of the rotor;    -   F=63.992420 N−½ [kHz]—the basic frequency of resonant        excitation;    -   N>=1−the selected integer,        While the value of the internal radius of the coaxial wall of        the stator constitutes    -   R 1=R+B S(2.pi.)−1 [mm],

where B>=1—the selected integer;

-   -   S=7.2973531 [mm]—the pitch of outlet openings of the rotor along        the circumference of the radius R.

In an embodiment, the converting of one or a mixture of two or moreliquids is affected, at least in part, by the relationship set forth inthe following formula:

-   -   n R=1.16141 F, where n[1/s]—the rotation frequency of the rotor;    -   R [m]—the radius of the peripheral annual surface of the rotor.

Design Rotor—Number of Outlets for Liquid Discharged (FIG. 3, no 5, &FIG. 6, no 5)

In an embodiment, the number of outlet openings through which the liquidis discharged following excitation can vary, but can be at least 100,110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240,245, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370,380, 390, 400 or more openings. In a further embodiment, the number ofoutlet openings through which the liquid is discharged followingexcitation are no more than 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180,190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 245, 250, 260, 270, 280, 290, 300, 310,320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400 or more openings. Howeverthe ideal amount is between 120 and 360.

Design Rotor—The Pitch of the Outlet Openings (FIG. 6, plane A)

In an embodiment, the pitch of the outlet openings is determined basedon the number of outlet openings.

Design Rotor—The Pitch of the Outlet Openings is Equal to the Width ofthe Opening (FIG. 6, plane A)

In another embodiment, the pitch of the outlet openings is equal to thewidth of an opening.

Design Rotor—The Radial Extent of an Outlet Openings (FIG. 6)

In an embodiment, the radial extent of an outlet opening of a rotor of adevice is made multiple to the value S(2.pi.)−1, as seen on the equationon page 9.

In a further embodiment, a schematic view of the outlet openings isdepicted in FIG. 6. The outlet openings (FIG. 6, no 5) are evenly spreadon the peripheral circumference (FIG. 6, no R) of the rotor (FIG. 6, no1). The spacing between the outlet openings (FIG. 6, no 5) can in anembodiment equal the length H and set an angle to the annular wall (FIG.6, angle α) that can comprise from 1° to 179°.

In an embodiment, the radial extent of an outlet opening of a rotor ismade equal to the value S(2.pi.)−1, on page 9.

Design Rotor—The Annular Opening Angle (FIG. 6)

In another embodiment the annular openings are set at an angle of 1° to179° to the rotor annular wall. In a further embodiment, the annularopenings are set an angle of at least 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°,25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 7-5°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°,100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°, 155°,160°, 165°, 170°, 175° or 179° to the rotor annular wall.

In another embodiment, the annular openings are set an angle of at nomore than 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°,50°, 55°, 60°, 65°, 7-5°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°,120°, 125°, 130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°, 155°, 160°, 165°, 170°, 175°or 179° to the rotor annular wall.

In a further embodiment, the annular openings are set an angle of about1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 55°,60°, 65°, 7-5°, 80°, 85°, 90°, 95°, 100°, 105°, 110°, 115°, 120°, 125°,130°, 135°, 140°, 145°, 150°, 155°, 160°, 165°, 170°, 175° or 179° tothe rotor annular wall.

HE-ART Converter Device Auxiliary Equipment (FIG. 8)Equipment—Electrical Motor, Piping and VFD's

In an embodiment, a device to mix/blend a liquid, including, withoutlimitation a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, including,without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a highparaffinic crude oil, hydrocarbon liquid and solid blend, bitumen orDilBit, includes, without limitation, a 30 Hz or 75 Hz frequencyelectric motor; a variable frequency drive for adjustment of therotation speed of the electric motor; a feed supply line to the HE-ARTConverter Device, including, without limitation, a primary line; and oneor more auxiliary lines for supply of the required amount of liquids anda/or a number of recirculation lines between liquid discharge anduntreated liquid supply line and/or a blend discharge line that runsfrom the device.

Equipment—Valves, Meters and Gauges, Plus an Additional Pump or Pumps(FIG. 8)

In an embodiment, each line is equipped, without limitation, with afrequency monitor, pressure meter or pressure gauge; a thermocouple ortemperature gauge; a flow meter; a viscosity meter; a mass meter; adensity meter; a primary flow shut off valve; an automatic or manualdriven flow adjustment valve; and/or an additional pump/pumps tofacilitate the flow of a liquid through the device.

Equipment—Manual and Automated Control Based Off Liquid Composition

In an embodiment, a device is automated so that it can adjustautomatically to changes in the composition of the liquid that is runthrough it. For instance, if the liquid is a heavy fuel oil, as thecomposition of the fuel oil changes, the device is adjustedautomatically to take into account the change in the composition of thefuel oil. This adjustment can be done manually or through the use ofsoftware on a computer as set forth herein, including through the use ofan Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Equipment—Skid Frame and Solid Base Construction

In an embodiment to reduce vibration and mitigate any art inducedfrequency transfer throughout the physical system, other than in theprecise areas that we create in the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ARTConverter) and with or without in areas of solid state magnetic fluxtreatment, the device is fixed on a custom fabricated skid frame.

Equipment—Solid Base Construction

In another embodiment to reduce vibration and mitigate any art inducedfrequency transfer throughout the physical system, other than in theprecise areas that we create in the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ARTConverter) and with or without in areas of solid state magnetic fluxtreatment, the a device is fixed on a solid surface, including, withoutlimitation, a hard wood floor, a tile floor, a concrete floor, anasphalt floor, a dirt floor, a ceramic floor, a vinyl floor and/or anyother floor that is capable of supporting the device.

Equipment—Isolation Kits

In another embodiment to reduce vibration and mitigate any art inducedfrequency transfer throughout the physical system, other than in theprecise areas that we create in the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ARTConverter) and with or without in areas of solid state magnetic fluxtreatment, isolation kits are installed on all flanges and nuts. Thesenylon sleeves, gaskets and O-ring seals, prevents the metal makingcontact with a flange, thus preventing frequency moving throughout theconnected piping. This helps keep the low frequency effect in thelocation that it is created and not system wide.

Equipment—Fixed Onto Movable Transportation

In an embodiment to reduce vibration and mitigate any art inducedfrequency transfer throughout the physical system, other than in theprecise areas that we create in the acoustic 440 mechanical device(HE-ART Converter) and with or without in areas of solid state magneticflux treatment, the a device is fixed on a vehicle that is able to move,including, without limitation, a truck, a trailer, a plane, a boat,including, without limitation, a barge, a tanker and/or a super tanker,oil rig and sea floor.

Equipment—Gasket Material (FIG. 2)

In an embodiment, the primary mechanical components of the HE-ARTConverter device are those that are set forth in FIG. 2. As depicted inFIG. 2, in one embodiment a liquid, including an oil, further includinga heavy oil such as a paraffin wax, hydrogen blended liquid with asolid, bitumen, DilBit or a hydrocarbon blended with H₂O, flows througha pipe or other form of a tube that attaches to the device, which can beany shape that is able to connect with the inlet opening (FIG. 2. no12 &13) of the device, connected through a leak proof prominent packing andan additional gasket/gaskets, which in one embodiment is a gasketcontaining copper, zinc or other materials of a natural mineral origin.

Equipment—Liquefied Gas Compressor

In this embodiment, a liquefied gas supply line is without limitation,equipped with a compressor.

Equipment—Liquefied Gas Sensors, Meters, Valves (FIG. 8)

In an embodiment, a blend discharge line through which a blended liquidflows is equipped with a gas flow meter; frequency monitor, a pressuremeter or pressure gauge; a thermocouple or temperature gauge; a flowmeter; a viscosity meter; a mass meter; a density meter; a primary flowshut off valve; an automatic or manual driven flow adjustment valve;and/or an additional pump to facilitate the flow of a liquid through theHE-ART Converter Device.

Controlling the Process and Effect Process Control—Rotation Frequency

In an embodiment, the control of the rotation frequency of a rotor ismanifested through a device, wherein the rotation frequency is adjustedto take into consideration such elements as, and without limitation, theviscosity, the pour point, flash point, the asphaltene, includingbitumen and wax content, including the paraffin content, H₂O content,hydrocarbon solid content and/or the flow temperature.

In a further embodiment, the control of the rotation frequency of arotor is manifested through a device wherein the rotation frequency isadjusted to take into consideration such elements as, and withoutlimitation, the chemical composition and/or rheology of the liquid. Thismay include without limitation, using an in line viscosity meter,density meter, chemical composition meter, and/or any other meteringdevice that allows to assess the chemical composition and/or rheologyand other properties of the crude oil, liquid, liquid solid blend,hydrocarbon mixed with H₂O.

In an embodiment, a mechanism for driving a rotor comprises a system forcontrolling the rotation frequency of the rotor, wherein, the deviationof rotation is at least 0.1%, ˜0.2%, ˜0.3%, ˜0.4%, ˜0.5%, ˜0.6%, ˜0.7%,˜0.8%, ˜0.9%, ˜1%, ˜2%, ˜3%, ˜4%, ˜5%, ˜6%, ˜7%, ˜8%, ˜9%, ˜10%, ˜11%,˜12%, ˜13%, ˜14%, ˜15%, ˜16, ˜17%, ˜18%, ˜19%, ˜20%, ˜21%, ˜22%, ˜23%,˜24%, ˜25%, ˜26%, ˜27%, ˜28%, ˜29%, ˜30%, ˜35%, ˜40%, ˜45% or ˜50% fromthe calculated value thereof.

In an embodiment, a control of the rotation frequency of a rotor ismanifested through a device, wherein the device includes, withoutlimitation a computer and/or a mechanical device, either of which isable to control the rotation frequency of a rotor.

In an embodiment, a computer includes a program to control the rotationfrequency of a rotor. In an embodiment, and without limitation, theprogram is a software program.

In an embodiment, the software program is able to make adjustments tothe regulation of one or more aspect of the rotation frequency of arotor by controlling the revolutions per minute (RPM).

In another embodiment, the software program includes an AI (ArtificialIntelligence) that is able to continually monitor the adjustments to theregulation of one or more aspect of the rotation frequency of a rotorvia RPM.

In a further embodiment, the AI is able to continually learn such thatit is able to continually monitor the adjustments to the regulation ofone or more aspect of the rotation frequency of a rotor.

In another embodiment, a software program regulates all aspects of therotation frequency of a rotor.

In another embodiment, a software program regulates some, but not allaspects of the rotation frequency of a rotor.

In an embodiment, a software program adjusts the rotation frequency of arotor based on the density of a liquid, including, without limitation, ahydrogen-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavy oil,including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, withoutlimitation, hydrocarbon liquid blended with a solid, a bitumen orDilBit, without limitation, a H₂O blended with Hydrocarbon material.

In an embodiment, the flow may be adjusted and the proportion of theliquids being blended may be adjusted taking into consideration suchelements as viscosity, and other factors that can affect viscosity. Inan embodiment, the flow may be adjusted in real time based on theviscosity of the blended liquid to ensure that the blended liquid is ofa desired viscosity.

In one embodiment, this desired viscosity is known to one of skill inthe art, but at a minimum, is a viscosity that allows for the reasonableflow of the blended liquid through a pipeline with minimal additionalassistance, such as heating the pipeline or requiring the addition offurther liquids to further dilute the blended liquid.

HE-ART Converter Device Conversion Process Description (FIG. 2, FIG. 3)

The conversion of the liquid into the device starts at the inlet opening(FIG. 2, no 12), which is located in casing (FIG. 2, no 2) of thedevice. The liquid continues to flow into the device, entering thecavity where the resonance excitation of the liquid occurs. Within thecavity of the device in FIG. 3, are located the curved blades (FIG. 2,no 1, FIG. 3, no 4), also called the rotor of the device (FIG. 2, no 1,FIG. 3, no 1), that create the resonance energy that is transferred tothe liquid. The rotor of the device (FIG. 3, no 1) is accelerated by theimpeller (inside the rotor) comprised of a backward curved aero foiledblades (FIG. 3, no 4). The liquid then exits the cavity through a set ofoutlet openings (FIG. 3, no 5), into an annular chamber (FIG. 2, no 3,FIG. 3, no 3) created by the coaxial wall of the stator casing (FIG. 3,R1) the peripheral circumference of the rotor (FIG. 3, R). Then theliquid then exits the device through the single annular discharge statorchannel (FIG. 2, no 6) and the discharge pipe (FIG. 2, no 13) into apipe or other form of tube connected with the discharge pipe through aleak proof prominent packing and an additional gasket containing copper,zinc or other materials of natural mineral origin. As further depictedin FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the device is driven by an electric motor(FIG. 2, no 10) transferring the torque to the shaft (FIG. 2, no 7)through a flexible coupling (FIG. 2, no 11). The shaft rests on at leastone bearing (FIG. 2, no 8). The liquid is prevented from leaking formthe device onto the rotor side through the use a mechanical seal ormultiple seals (FIG. 2, no 9).

Solid State Magnetic Flux Field Influence & Process (FIG. 7, FIG. 4,FIG. 5)

As discussed in prior art, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,128,043A and 6,056,872A, themagnetic influence allows the magnetic field to move the particles in apredictable direction. The benefits of using solid state magnetic fluxfield/fields gives our art the basis for helping the organic liquid toflow better and present itself to the acoustic mechanical vibrations ina more organized molecular structure, therefore helping to induce astronger resonance excitation on the liquid presented. The technique isalso employed after resonance excitation, this helps in maintainingorder and stability in the molecular rheology.

The use of solid state magnets (magnetic flux fields) also helps instopping clogging of piping from natural buildup of heavier molecules,hence helping the flow of liquid, and reducing corrosion. In hydrocarbonliquid, its movement through piping is usually susceptible to scaling,corrosion, and algae, because of the large amount of high mineralcontent. Many hydrocarbon liquid deposits are high in paraffin, causingheavy ‘paraffining’ of the pumps and tubing, eventually stopping theflow of hydrocarbon fluid.

Process—Solid State Magnets Pole Alignment

In one embodiment, the solid state magnets are set around the casing ofthe HE-ART Converter Device (FIG. 4, no 14, FIG. 5 no 14 and FIG. 7) andprior to resonance excitation converting and on the exit piping as shownin (FIG. 7, FIG. 5, no 14). Where by our solid state magnets are usedwith the alignment of the South Pole magnetic flux being the mosteffective at effecting the molecular structure of the converted liquids.

Process—Solid State Magnets Prior to Resonance Excitation

In one embodiment, the solid state magnets are set around the casing ofthe HE-ART Converter device (FIG. 4, no 14, FIG. 5 no 14 and FIG. 7) andprior to resonance excitation converting and on the exit piping (FIG. 7,FIG. 5, no 14).

Process—Solid State Magnets on Outer Casing of HE-ART Converter Device

In an embodiment, the front view of the casing of the device is depictedin FIG. 4. In one embodiment, the resonant excitation and flow ofmaterial can be improved through the use of a number of solid statemagnets (FIG. 4, no14, FIG. 5, no 14 and FIG. 7). These solid statemagnets can be set around the HE-ART Converter casing, pre-processedliquid pipe casing, exit processed pipe casing and recirculation pipecasing .

Process—Solid State Magnets Prior to Resonance Excitation

In another embodiment, the position of the solid state magnets can beset around the casing in different patterns that can vary depending onthe extent of stability in the magnetic flux field that is required toobtain the desired reduction in viscosity, increase in lower boilingpoint fractionation hydrocarbon products or separation of hydrocarbon ina liquid/liquids passing through the HE-ART Converter device.

Process—Solid State Magnets on the HE-ART Converter Device Piping

In another embodiment, the side view of the HE-ART Converter casing ofthe device is depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 5. The solid state magnets(FIG. 7, FIG. 5, no 14) are situated on the inlet pipe (FIG. 5, no 12)and at the inlet point (FIG. 5, no 14), on the casing (FIG. 5, no 2), onthe outlet pipe prior to recirculation, if needed (FIG. 7).

Process—Solid State Magnets Improving the RPM and Torque Transfer

In an embodiment, aligning the solid state magnets (FIG. 5, no 14) inthis manner can improve the stability of the acoustic mechanicaloscillations at a desired frequency (F) and improve the torque transferof the electric motor (FIG. 5, no 10) to the shaft (FIG. 5, no 7) thatis supported by at 595 least one bearing (FIG. 5, no 8) through theflexible coupling (FIG. 5, no 11).

Process—Magnetic Flux Field (FIG. 2)

In one embodiment, a liquid prior to this opening FIG. 2 no12, a heavyoil such as a paraffin wax, bitumen, DilBit or a hydrocarbon blendedwith H₂O will pass through a solid state magnetic flux field beforeentering the inlet opening (FIG. 2, no12).

Process—Resonant Excitation on Exit from HE-ART Converter Device withSolid State Magnetic Flux Field Influence

In an embodiment, following prior to converting and after the dischargeof the converted liquid or a mixture of two or more liquids from theannular chamber and after passing through a solid state magnetic fluxfield/fields, the resonant excitation of the converting of one ormixture of two or more liquids is increased. In an embodiment, theincrease in the resonant energy for the mixture of two or more liquidsis at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, atleast 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100% greaterthan the resonant energy of the two or more liquids prior to enteringthe annular chamber.

Liquid Conversion Process (FIG. 8 and FIG. 2) Process Rotor—Number ofRotors

In another embodiment, the converted material may be recycled through atleast one acoustic mechanical vibration device's rotor (HE-ARTConverter) in one enclosed structural unit or in separate units attachedto each other through connecting processed flow piping, or in parallelor series with , at least two rotors, at least three rotors, at leastfour rotors, at least five rotors, at least six rotors, at least sevenrotors, at least eight rotors, at least nine rotors, at least thenrotors, at least eleven rotors, at least twelve rotors, at leastthirteen rotors, at least thirteen rotors, at least fourteen rotors, atleast fifteen rotors, at least sixteen rotors, at least seventeenrotors, at least eighteen rotors, at least nineteen rotors, at leasttwenty rotors. or more rotors.

Process—Liquid Mixed with Recirculated Material (FIG. 2)

In one embodiment a liquid prior to this opening FIG. 2, no12, a heavyoil such as a paraffin wax, bitumen, DilBit or a hydrocarbon blendedwith H₂O may mix with recirculated processed material before enteringthe inlet opening (FIG. 2, no 12).

Process—Mixed with Recirculated Material and or a Lighter HydrocarbonLiquid Prior to Converting. (FIG. 2)

In another embodiment prior to this opening FIG. 2, no 12, a heavy oilsuch as a paraffin wax, bitumen, DilBit or a hydrocarbon blended withH₂O may mix with recirculated processed material before entering theinlet opening and a lighter hydrocarbon liquid, such as Naphtha, dieseletc prior to the opening (FIG. 2, no 12).

Process—Liquid and Solid Mixed with Recirculated Material and or aLighter Hydrocarbon Liquid Prior to Converting. (FIG. 2)

In another embodiment prior to this opening FIG. 2, no 12, a heavy oilsuch as a paraffin wax, bitumen, DilBit , Hydrocarbon solids or ahydrocarbon blended with H₂O may mix with recirculated processedmaterial before entering the inlet opening and a lighter hydrocarbonliquid, such as Naphtha, diesel etc prior to the opening (FIG. 2, no12).

Process—On One or Multiple Liquids

In another embodiment, a device capable of creating a low frequencyresonance excitation which can convert one or a mixture two, three,four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more liquids.

Process—Multiple Liquids can Mix Evenly

In a further embodiment, a device capable of creating a low frequencyresonance excitation which can mix two or more liquids evenly.

Process—On Multiple Liquids can Blend Multiple Liquids

In an embodiment, a device capable of creating a resonance excitationcan process one or mix two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine,ten or more liquids evenly and the liquids stay evenly mixed (stable)for a period of time after the mixing occurs. One, two, three, four,five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more liquids stay evenly mixed(stable) for 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, 3 weeks, 4weeks, 5 weeks, 6 weeks, 7 weeks, 8 weeks, 9 weeks, 10 weeks, 11 weeks,12 weeks, 13 weeks, 14 weeks, 15 weeks, 16 weeks, 17 weeks, 18 weeks, 19weeks, 20 weeks, 21 weeks, 22 weeks, 23 weeks, 24 weeks, 25 weeks, 26weeks, 27 weeks, 28 weeks, 29 weeks, 30 weeks, 31 weeks, 32 weeks, 33weeks, 34 weeks, 35 weeks, 36 weeks, 37 weeks, 38 weeks, 39 weeks, 40weeks, 41 weeks, 42 weeks, 43 weeks, 44 weeks, 45 weeks, 46 weeks, 47weeks, 48 weeks, 49 weeks, 50 weeks, 51 weeks, 52 weeks, 13 months, 14months, 15 months, 16 months, 17 months, 18 months, 19 months, 20months, 21 months, 22 months, 23 months, 24 months, 25 months, 26months, 27 months, 28 months, 29 months, 30 months, 31 months, 32months, 33 months, 34 months, 35 months, 36 months, or more. In ourtests we have proved stability.

Carbon Activator

n Ri=9.29128 Fi, where n[1/s]—the rotation frequency of the workingwheel; R [m]—the radius of the peripheral annular surface of the workingwheel.

Recirculation Technique Optionality

Process Recirculation—Percentage of Converted Material that isRecirculated

In another embodiment, through the methods disclosed herein, acombination of recycling of the acoustic mechanical vibration(ultrasound oscillations , resonance excitation) converted material onits own or also passing through a solid state magnetic flux field, canbe recycled through one or more recirculation lines. The placing of therecirculation line can be placed directly after the mechanicalultrasound device (HE-ART Converter), similar to that taught inPCT/RU92/00195 & PCT/RU92/00194 (Kladov recirculation line) or furtherdownstream of the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter), eitherin an open mode, where by 100% of the converted material passes out ofour system into the clients desired operational system, or a recycledmode. Where by the amount of converted liquid can be recycled at least0%, at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, atleast 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or at least 100%, of theconverted flow. However, the ideal recirculation flow is between 18% and50%, depending on the type of liquid being converted.

This optional recirculation of the resonance excited converted flow intothe inflow of the acoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter Device)for repeated treatment, in order to further optimize the reorganizing ofthe molecular bonds within the liquid. The process of recycling theconverted flow of treated liquid causes growth and stabilization of theacoustic mechanical effect. This phenomenon has been described with theprevious art as being associated with the process of relaxation of theabsorbed energy of the resonating frequency of the intermolecular linksbetween molecules resonating from the molecular liquid structure withinthe acoustic mechanical vibrations (HE-ART Converter Device) treatmentchamber. The relaxation phase where by the recycled material helps tostrengthen and stabilize the low frequency, leading to an increase inthe process of breakup of solvation molecular shells and paramagneticcores of the converted molecules. The use of recycled processed materialis not always necessary, this will always depend on the type and qualityof the untreated liquid being converted.

Examples of recirculation and non-recirculated liquid results are shownin FIGS. 12, 13, 14 & 15

Process Recirculation—Number Passes of Recirculated Material

In another embodiment, the processed material can be recirculated anumber of time to improve the effect of acoustic mechanical vibrationfrequency. This can be at least once, least twice, at least three times,at least four times, at least five times, at least six times, at leastseven times, at least eight times, at least nine times, at least tentimes, at least eleven times, at least twelve times, at least thirteentimes, at least fourteen times, at least fifteen times, at least sixteentimes, at least seventeen times, at least eighteen times, at leastnineteen times, at least twenty times, twenty one times, twenty twotimes, twenty three times, twenty four times, twenty five times, twentysix times, twenty seven times, twenty eight times, twenty nine times,thirty times, or more times.

Process Recirculation—The Amount of Time You Recirculate ConvertedMaterial

In another embodiment, the converted material can be recirculated for aperiod of time to improve the effect of acoustic mechanical vibrationfrequency. This can be at least 1 minute, at least 2 minutes, at least 3minutes, at least 4 minutes, at least 5 minutes, at least 6 minutes, atleast 7 minutes, at least 8 minutes, at least 9 minutes, at least 10minutes, at least 12 minutes, at least 13 minutes, at least 14 minutes,at least 15 minutes, least 16 minutes, at least 17 minutes, at least 18minutes, at least 19 minutes, at least 20 minutes, at least 21 minutes,at least 22 minutes, at least 23 minutes, at least 24 minutes, at least25 minutes, at least 26 minutes, at least 27 minutes, at least 28minutes, at least 29 minutes, at least 30 minutes, at least 31 minutes,at least 32 minutes, at least 33 minutes, at least 34 minutes, at least35 minutes, at least 36 minutes, at least 37 minutes, at least 38minutes, at least 39 minutes, at least 40 minutes, at least 41 minutes,at least 42 minutes, at least 43 minutes, at least 44 minutes, at least45 minutes, at least 46 minutes, at least 47 minutes, at least 48minutes, at least 49 minutes, at least 50 minutes, at least 51 minutes,at least 52 minutes, at least 53 minutes, at least 54 minutes, at least55 minutes, at least 56 minutes, at least 57 minutes, at least 58minutes, at least 59 minutes, at least 1 hour, at least 1 hour, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The period of the recirculation is forno more than zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. Theperiod of recirculation is for at least zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10 or more hours.

Commercial Process—HE-ART Converter Device Example (FIG. 1)

In an embodiment, a process flow diagram is provided that sets forth thesteps involved in the preconditioning of one, two or more liquids isdepicted in FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 1, Steps 1-16 are set forth. Inone embodiment, these steps entail;

-   -   FIG. 1, no 1—The pre-converting and buffering of a heavy oil,        herein referred to as a heavier hydrogen bonded stream in a        storage tank; pre-converting may include without limitations pre        blending the heavy oil with a lighter stream (FIG. 1, no 2C),        pre blending heavy oil or fractional residuum or a hydrocarbon        solids with a lighter stream, which still leaves the resulting        liquid for converting as heavy hydrocarbon stream.    -   FIG. 1, no L1—Diluent, which is herein referred to as a lighter        hydrogen bonded stream in a storage tank;    -   FIG. 1, no 2C—The lighter hydrocarbon stream can be pre blended        in a heavier stream in tank 1 (FIG. 1, no 1)    -   FIG. 1, no 1A—The heavier hydrogen bonded stream passes through        a temperature induction device to heat and/or cool of the        heavier hydrogen bonded stream;    -   FIG. 1, no 2B—The flow through the whole unified system is        controlled using a number of controllers that control the speed        of the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter        hydrogen bonded stream and the pressure exerted on the mixture        as it passes through the device;    -   FIG. 1, no 1C—The heavier hydrogen bonded stream passes through        a feed pump for the heavier hydrogen bonded stream that is        equipped with a device for controlling the speed and the supply        of pressure;    -   FIG. 1, no 1D—The heavier hydrogen bonded stream then passes        through a filtering element;    -   FIG. 1, no 1E—The heavier hydrogen bonded stream next passes        through a metering station that evaluates the rate of flow, the        temperature, the pressure and the viscosity of heavier hydrogen        bonded stream;    -   FIG. 1, no 3A—One or both blended stream/streams pass through a        solid state magnetic flux field/fields.    -   FIG. 1, no 2 & 3B—HE-ART Converter Device—The heavier hydrogen        bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream are mixed and        begin to pass through the device as described in an embodiment        for FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 herein; the heavier hydrogen bonded stream        and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream may be pre-blended before        entering FIG. 1, no 1A, from tank 1, and fed to the device in a        unified stream of the main supply line.    -   FIG. 1, no 2A—The HE-ART Converter Device is controlled by a        relationship between RPM and frequency, density, viscosity,        chemical composition etc.    -   FIG. 1, no 3C—The flow of processed material after passing        through the HE-ART Converter Device is passed through another        solid state magnet/magnets creating a magnetic flux field.    -   FIG. 1, no 4—The flow of converted material can be recirculated        back into the main line between 0% and 100%, if deemed        beneficial to create the desired outcome.    -   FIG. 1, no 2C—As the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream        and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream pass through the HE-ART        Converter Device, they pass through a temperature induction        device that is able to heat and/or cool the mixture;    -   FIG. 1, no 5—After passing through the HE-ART Converter Device,        the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter        hydrogen bonded stream is then stored. This part of the        upgrading process we call the ‘Thermal Maturity Period’        (ART-TMP). This ART-TMP period of the storage combined with heat        can be for up to 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5        minutes, 6 minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes,        15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40        minutes, 45 minutes, 50 minutes, 55 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,        7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The period of the storage is for no        more than zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours.        The period of the storage is for at least zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,        6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The storage of the converted        liquid following passage through the HE-ART Converter Device is        at a temperature that ranges from ambient or room or outside        temperature to one hundred degrees centigrade. This may take        place in the general product line, which has a higher volume,        velocity and capacity than the device discharge line, thus        acting as a reservoir for completion of the resonance excitation        process and effects.    -   FIG. 1, no 6—After a period of time in storage (ART-TMP), which        can be in a storage tank, a static tank, a tanker car or truck,        a pipe, a pipeline or other means of storage of the converted        liquid, the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a        lighter hydrogen bonded stream can then be tested for upgrading        effects. These effects could be , viscosity improvement,        distillation improvements, pour point improvement, stability,        hydrocarbon separation from H₂O, to name but a few upgrading        improvements by using the HE-ART Converter Device. When meeting        upgrading targets, the mixture is transferred out of the tank or        existing pipeline infrastructure. The mixture of a heavier        hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogen bonded stream can        be transferred to a tanker truck, a tanker rail car, a pipeline        or other means of transferring the converted liquid from the        site where the liquid was processed by the HE-ART Converter        Device and process to another site, which in an embodiment is in        a different location or at the converting location.

Blending Technique

In an embodiment, a method and a HE-ART Converter Device may be used toconvert a liquid or blend two (or more) liquids including, withoutlimitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and furtherincluding, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, withoutlimitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, hydrocarbon liquid blended witha solid, DilBit or bitumen, blended into a liquid containing a hydrogen,carbon or sulfur bond, or a liquid and/or a liquefied hydrogencontaining a gas. This technique has to be employed initially for allupgrading improvements without limitation: viscosity, fractionation andeffects upon hydrocarbon mixed with H₂O etc.

Blending—Physical Starting Procedure for Blending Liquids

In an embodiment, a method to use a HE-ART Converter Device to blend aliquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon orsulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, a heavyoil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBitor bitumen, or mix/blend two or more different liquids, hydrocarbonsolids blended into a liquid, includes, but is not limited to thefollowing steps: initiating a method to close a shutoff valve; followedby draining the system of air; establishing a flow through the device ofa liquid, including, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid andfurther including, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a highparaffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen; use of a flow meter to recordthe flow of a liquid; wherein a cutter is added to the liquid through acutter line; wherein, a flow meter is used to establish a desired ratiobetween a cutter and a liquid; and the flow of the liquid and the cutteris modulated through the use of a viscometer, a density meter and/or amass meter; wherein the viscosity readings are monitored to achieve thedesired blend ratio of a liquid and a cutter.

Blending—Ratio for Liquids

In an embodiment, a method and a HE-ART Converter Device are suitablefor blending two or more streams to produce fuel oils of all standardgrades.

In a further embodiment, use of the device for molecular blendingresults in an upgraded liquid, including, without limitation a hydrogen,carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavyfeedstock, wherein the liquid is diluted with a liquid of lower densityor specific gravity, including, a light feedstock, wherein, withoutlimitation, the ratio of a heavy feedstock and a lighter feedstock canbe mixed in any proportion. The ratio of a heavy feedstock to a lighterfeedstock is 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11,1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1,5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 11:1, 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1, 16:1, 17:1,18:1, 19:1, 20:1, 2:3, 3:2, 2:5, 5:2, 2:7, 7:2, 2:9, 9:2, 2:11, 11:2,2:13, 13:2, 2:15, 15:2, 2:17, 17:2, 870 2:19, 19:2, 3:5, 5:3, 3:7 7:3,3:8, 8:3, 3:10, 10:3, 3:11, 11:3, 2:13, 13:3, 3:14, 14:3, 3:16, 16:3,3:17, 17:3, 3:19, 19:3, 4:5, 5:4, 4:7, 7:4, 4:9, 9:4, 4:10, 10:4, 4:11,11:4, 4:13, 13:4, 4:14, 14:4, 4:15, 15:4, 4:17, 17:4, 4:18, 18:4, 4:19,19:4, 5:7, 7:5, 5:8, 8;5, 5:9, 9:5, 5:11, 11:5, 5:12, 12:5, 5:13, 13:5,5:14, 14:5, 5:16, 16:5, 5:17, 17:5, 5:18, 18:5, 5:19, 19:5 or otherratio.

Blending—Resonant Excitation on Exit from HE-ART Converter Device

In an embodiment, following the discharge of a converted liquid or amixture of two or more liquids from the rotor chamber, the resonantexcitation of the converting of one or mixture of two or more liquids isincreased. In an embodiment, the increase in the resonant energy for themixture of two or more liquids is at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%,at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, atleast 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, atleast 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, atleast 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, atleast 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, atleast 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, atleast 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, atleast 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, atleast 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, atleast 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, atleast 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, atleast 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, atleast 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, atleast 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, atleast 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, atleast 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, atleast 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, atleast 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, atleast 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, atleast 99% or at least 100% greater than the resonant energy of the twoor more liquids prior to entering the annular chamber.

Blending—Liquid Designations for Fuel Oils

In an embodiment, a liquid includes, without limitation, fuel oils Nr. 1thru 6; MGO, MDO, IFO, MFO, HFO, IFO 380, IFO 180, LS380, LS180, LSMGO,ULSMGO, RMA 30, RMB 30, RMD 80, RME 180, RMF 180, RMG 380, RMH 380, RMK380, RMH 700, RMK 700, IMO2020.

Blending—Liquid Specifications for Liquid Cutters

In an embodiment, a blended liquid consists of, without limitation, ATB,VTB, distillate slurry, distillate cutters, rectification distillates,light oil cutters, shale oil cutters, and liquefied gas cutters.

Blending—Liquid Types of Base Liquids as Targets for StabilityImprovements

In an embodiment, a liquid includes, without limitation, bitumen,condensate, DilBit, treater blend DilBit, dilsynbit, diluent, neatbit,railbit, synbit, standard DilBit, lightened DilBit, enhanced DilBit,emulsion, conventional oil light, conventional oil medium, conventionaloil heavy, sweet oil, sour oil, hydrocarbon solids blended into aliquid, or other liquid for which the methods and devices disclosedherein are capable of blending and stability improvements.

Blending—Liquid Blend Percentage Based Desired Target Grade

In an embodiment, the blend proportions may vary depending on thedesired grade of fuel oil, including, without limitation, a quantity oflight cutter that comprises no more than 1%, no more than 2%, no morethan 3%, no more than 4%, no more than 5%, no more than 6%, no more than7%, no more than 8%, no more than 9%, no more than 10%, no more than11%, no more than 12%, no more than 13%, no more than 14%, no more than15%, no more than 16%, no more than 17%, no more than 18%, no more than19%, no more than 20%, no more than 21%, no more than 22%, no more than23%, no more than 24%, no more than 25%, no more than 26%, no more than27%, no more than 28%, no more than 29%, no more than 30%, no more than31%, no more than 32%, no more than 33%, no more than 34%, no more than35%, no more than 36%, no more than 37%, no more than 38%, no more than39%, no more than 40%, no more than 41%, no more than 42%, no more than43%, no more than 44%, no more than 45%, no more than 46%, no more than47%, no more than 48%, no more than 49%, no more than 50%, no more than51%, no more than 52%, no more than 53%, no more than 54%, no more than55%, no more than 56%, no more than 57%, no more than 58%, no more than59%, no more than 60%, no more than 61%, no more than 62%, no more than63%, no more than 64%, no more than 65%, no more than 66%, no more than67%, no more than 68%, no more than 69%, no more than 70%, no more than71%, no more than 72%, no more than 73%, no more than 74%, no more than75%, no more than 76%, no more than 77%, no more than 78%, no more than79%, no more than 80%, no more than 81%, no more than 82%, no more than83%, no more than 84%, no more than 85%, no more than 86%, no more than87%, no more than 88%, no more than 89%, no more than 90%, no more than91%, no more than 92%, no more than 93%, no more than 94%, no more than95% or no more than 96% compared to conventional blending and mixingmethods that do not utilize a HE-ART Converter Device, including,without limitation, a device that blends using acoustic mechanicalenergy or resonance excitation.

Viscosity Reduction Technique (FIG. 1 and FIG. 10)

In an embodiment, a method and a device are capable, without limitation,of converting one or blending a mixture of two or more liquids,including without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bondedliquid, and further, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, withoutlimitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, a hydrocarbon liquid blendedwith a solid, DilBit or a bitumen with a diluent, including, withoutlimitation, a light cutter stock, such as, without limitation, adiluent, or solvent, which is a light hydrocarbon to reduce theviscosity and specific gravity of the crude oil being processed.Including, but not limited to a straight run diesel distillate, astraight run kerosene distillate, a straight run naphtha distillate, astraight run distillate slurry, an oil product slurry, a liquefiedhydrogen containing gas, a gas condensate and/or a lighter or high APIcrude, including, but not limited to, a shale oil, a light high APIcrude oils, other crude oils, including, without limitation, a crude oilthat is lighter than a liquid into which a diluent is added, including acrude oil, a hydrocarbon solid and a hydrocarbon blended H₂O liquid.

Viscosity—Ratio for Liquids

In a further embodiment, use of a device results in a reduction ofviscosity of a liquid, including, without limitation a hydrogen, carbonor sulfur—bonded liquid, including, without limitation, a heavyfeedstock, wherein the liquid is diluted with a liquid of lower densityor specific gravity, including, a light feedstock, wherein, withoutlimitation, the ratio of a heavy feedstock and a lighter feedstock canbe mixed in any proportion. The ratio of a heavy feedstock to a lighterfeedstock is 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:11,1:12, 1:13, 1:14, 1:15, 1:16, 1:17, 1:18, 1:19, 1:20, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1,5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 11:1, 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1, 16:1, 17:1,18:1, 19:1, 20:1, 2:3, 3:2, 2:5, 5:2, 2:7, 7:2, 2:9, 9:2, 2:11, 11:2,2:13, 13:2, 2:15, 15:2, 2:17, 17:2, 2:19, 19:2, 3:5, 5:3, 3:7 7:3, 3:8,8:3, 3:10, 10:3, 3:11, 11:3, 2:13, 13:3, 3:14, 14:3, 3:16, 16:3, 3:17,17:3, 3:19, 19:3, 4:5, 5:4, 4:7, 7:4, 4:9, 9:4, 4:10, 10:4, 4:11, 11:4,4:13, 13:4, 4:14, 14:4, 4:15, 15:4, 4:17, 17:4, 4:18, 18:4, 4:19, 19:4,5:7, 7:5, 5:8, 8;5, 5:9, 9:5, 5:11, 11:5, 5:12, 12:5, 5:13, 13:5, 5:14,14:5, 5:16, 16:5, 5:17, 17:5, 5:18, 18:5, 5:19, 19:5 or other ratio.

Viscosity—Liquid Types of Base Liquids as Targets for ViscosityReduction

In an embodiment, a liquid includes, without limitation, bitumen,condensate, DilBit, treater blend DilBit, dilsynbit, diluent, neatbit,railbit, synbit, standard DilBit, lightened DilBit, enhanced DilBit,emulsion, conventional oil light, conventional oil medium, conventionaloil heavy, sweet oil, sour oil, hydrocarbon solids blended into aliquid, or other liquid and solids for which the methods and devicesdisclosed herein are capable of reducing the viscosity.

Viscosity—Thermal Maturity Period (ART-TMP) Temperature.

In one embodiment, after passing through the HE-ART Converter Device,the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogenbonded stream is then stored, which the process is termed the ‘ThermalMaturity Period’ (ART-TMP). The temperature of this processed materialshould be maintained at a minimum of the HE-ART Converter Device exittemperature. This thermal temperature should be at least 1° C., at least2° C., at least 3° C., at least 4° C., at least 5° C., at least 6° C.,at least 7° C., at least 8° C., at least 9° C., at least 10° C., atleast 11° C., at least 12° C., at least 13° C., at least 14° C., atleast 15° C., at least 16° C., at least 17° C., at least 18° C., atleast 19° C., at least 20° C., at least 21° C., at least 22° C., atleast 23° C., at least 24° C., at least 25° C., at least 26° C., atleast 27° C., at least 28° C., at least 29° C., at least 30° C., atleast 31° C., at least 32° C., at least 33° C., at least 34° C., atleast 35° C., at least 36° C., at least 37° C., at least 38° C., atleast 39° C., at least 40° C., at least 41° C., at least 42° C., atleast 43° C., at least 44° C., at least 45° C., at least 46° C., atleast 47° C., at least 48° C., at least 49° C., at least 50° C., atleast 51° C., at least 52° C., at least 53° C., at least 54° C., atleast 55° C., at least 56° C., at least 57° C., at least 58° C., atleast 59° C., at least 60° C., at least 61° C., at least 62° C., atleast 63° C., at least 64° C., at least 65° C., at least 66° C., atleast 67° C., at least 68° C., at least 69° C., at least 70° C., atleast 71° C., at least 72° C., at least 73° C., at least 74° C., atleast 75° C., at least 76° C., at least 77° C., at least 78° C., atleast 79° C., at least 80° C., at least 81° C., at least 82° C., atleast 83° C., at least 84° C., at least 85° C., at least 86° C., atleast 87° C., at least 88° C., at least 89° C., at least 90° C., atleast 91° C., at least 92° C., at least 93° C., at least 94° C., atleast 95° C., at least 96° C., at least 97° C., at least 98° C., atleast 99° C., or a maximum of 100° C.

Viscosity—Thermal Maturity Period (ART-TMP) Time.

In one embodiment, after passing through the HE-ART Converter Device,the mixture of a heavier hydrogen bonded stream and a lighter hydrogenbonded stream is then stored, which the process is termed the ‘ThermalMaturity Period’ (ART-TMP). The period of the storage combined with heatcan be for up to 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 6minutes, 7 minutes, 8 minutes, 9 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes, 20minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, 35 minutes, 40 minutes, 45 minutes, 50minutes, 55 minutes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. Theperiod of the storage is for no more than zero to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, 9, 10 or more hours. The period of the storage is for at least zeroto 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more hours. The storage of themixture following passage through the HE-ART Converter device is at atemperature that ranges from ambient or room or outside temperature to aspecific temperature below one hundred degrees centigrade. This may takeplace in the general product line, which has a higher volume, velocityand capacity than the device discharge line, thus acting as a reservoirfor completion of the resonance excitation process and effects.

Viscosity—Viscosity Reduction Percentage

In a further embodiment, through converting of a liquid using a device,including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bondedliquid, wherein, the converting reduces the viscosity of a liquid,including, without limitation, a hydrogen-bonded liquid, including,without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, aprocessed high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbonsolids blended into a liquid is reduced by at least 1%, at least 2%, atleast 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%,at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, atleast 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, atleast 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, atleast 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, atleast 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, atleast 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, atleast 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, atleast 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, atleast 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, atleast 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, atleast 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, atleast 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, atleast 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, atleast 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, atleast 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, atleast 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, atleast 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, atleast 99% or at least 100%.

Viscosity—Liquid Cutter Blending Percentage Reduction Based on TargetViscosity

In an embodiment, the amount of a cutter that is added to a liquid,including, without limitation, a heavy oil, and further, withoutlimitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbonsolids blended into a liquid that is run through a device is reduced byat least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, atleast 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% as compared to the amountof cutter used when a device is not utilized.

Viscosity—Pour Point Reduction

In another embodiment, the pour point of a liquid, including, withoutlimitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, including,without limitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a highparaffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended intoa liquid is reduced by at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, atleast 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, atleast 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, atleast 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, atleast 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, atleast 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, atleast 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, atleast 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, atleast 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, atleast 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, atleast 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, atleast 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, atleast 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, atleast 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, atleast 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, atleast 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, atleast 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, atleast 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, atleast 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or atleast 100%.

Fractionation Technique (FIG. 1 and FIG. 9)

In an embodiment, a method and a device are capable, without limitation,of converting one or blending a mixture of two or more liquids,including without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bondedliquid, and further, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, withoutlimitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, hydrocarbon liquid blended witha solid, DilBit or a bitumen with a diluent, including, withoutlimitation, a light cutter stock, such as, without limitation, adiluent, or solvent, which is a light hydrocarbon to improve thedistillation of lighter cuts below 350 deg C. The hydrocarbon liquidbeing processed, including, but not limited to a straight run dieseldistillate, a straight run kerosene distillate, a straight run naphthadistillate, a straight run distillate slurry, an oil product slurry, aliquefied hydrogen containing gas, a gas condensate and/or a lighter orhigh API crude, including, but not limited to, a shale oil, a light highAPI crude oils, other crude oils, including, without limitation, a crudeoil that is lighter than a liquid into which a diluent is added,including a crude oil, a hydrocarbon liquid blended with a solid, or abitumen, DilBit and a hydrocarbon blended H₂O liquid.

Fractionation—Unit Equipment

In an embodiment, the invention includes, without limitation, a plant tofractionate a liquid, including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbonor sulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, aheavy oil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil,DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid by way ofdistillation, comprising: interconnecting by pipelines a feeding pump;at least one fractionating tower; and a pre-installed HE-ART ConverterDevice for the preliminary treatment of liquid, wherein the HE-ARTConverter Device for the preliminary treatment of liquid effectsresonant excitation of a liquid and the acoustic mechanical device,HE-ART Converter, is sequentially installed between the outlet of thefeeding pump and the inlet of the fractionating tower.

In an embodiment, an inlet of a device for resonant excitation of aliquid including, without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon orsulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, without limitation, a heavyoil, including, without limitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBitor bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid is connected to aninlet of a fractionating tower through a shut-off-control element.

In another embodiment, a loop of a partial return into a fractionatingtower of a residual fraction, comprises, without limitation, a feedingpump and a heating device sequentially interconnected by a pipeline,wherein, and without limitation, into the loop of a partial return of aresidual fraction there is sequentially installed a second HE-ARTConverter Device for resonant excitation of the liquid including,without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, andfurther including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, withoutlimitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbonsolids blended into a liquid.

Fractionation—Process

In an embodiment, a fractionation process of a liquid, including,without limitation, a hydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, andfurther including, without limitation, a heavy oil, including, withoutlimitation, a high paraffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbonsolids blended into a liquid by way of distillation, comprising, withoutlimitation, a preliminary treatment of the liquid with the help of aHE-ART Converter Device, including, without limitation, a pre-installedrotary hydrodynamic source of acoustic mechanical oscillations, followedby, without limitation, the supply of the preliminarily converted liquidinto a fractionating tower and the outflow of distilled and residualfractions.

In a further embodiment, a fractionation process includes a diversion ofpart of a general flow of a liquid that is to be fractionated, whereinthe diverted part of a general flow is subjected to a preliminaryconverted treatment with a HE-ART Converter Device, following which thediverted converted flow and a non-diverted flow are combined prior tofeeding the combined liquid into a fractionating tower.

In a further embodiment, a fractionation process includes a diversion ofpart of a general flow of a liquid that is to be fractionated, whereinthe diverted part of a general flow is subjected to a preliminaryconversion treatment with a HE-ART Converter Device and the non-divertedflow is also subjected to a preliminary treatment with a HE-ARTConverter Device, wherein, without limitation the diverted flow andnon-diverted flow are subject to the same preliminary conversiontreatment or are subjected to a different preliminary treatment,following which the diverted converted flow and a non-diverted convertedflow are combined prior to feeding the combined liquid into afractionating tower.

Fractionation—Improving % of Target Cut in Distillation

In an embodiment, if the target cut is blended into the heavier mainstream we have observed that this lighter stream will increase inpercentage on return to the fractionation tower. The amount of targetcut blended into the main stream should be least 1%, at least 2%, atleast 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%,at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, atleast 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, atleast 24%, at least 25% of the total processed liquid.

Fractionation—Process liquid Blending Percentages

In an embodiment, a partial flow amounts to at least 1%, at least 2%, atleast 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%,at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, atleast 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, atleast 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, atleast 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, atleast 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, atleast 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, atleast 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, atleast 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, atleast 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, atleast 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, atleast 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, atleast 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, atleast 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, atleast 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, atleast 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, atleast 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, atleast 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, atleast 99% or more of the full flow.

Fractionation—Distillation Improvement of Lights Below 350 Deg C.

In an embodiment, the increase of lights below 350 deg C. is at least1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, atleast 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least 10%, at least 11%, at least12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least 15%, at least 16%, at least17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least 20%, at least 21%, at least22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least 25%, at least 26%, at least27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least 30%, at least 31%, at least32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least 40%, at least 41%, at least42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least 45%, at least 46%, at least47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least 50%, at least 51%, at least52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least 60%, at least 61%, at least62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70%, at least 71%, at least72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least 75%, at least 76%, at least77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or more of the full flow.

H₂O Separation Technique

EP0667386 and RU2060785C1 discusses in depth the influence of acousticmechanical vibrations on H₂O mixed with hydrocarbon, and either how toblend it into the hydrocarbon.

However, have found that when employing the HE-ART Converter process,the hydrocarbon and other mineral elements have separated and formedinto stratified layers.

Process H₂O—Acoustic Mechanical Treatment

In an embodiment, the invention includes, without limitation, H₂Oamounts to be at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, atleast 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8%, at least 9%, at least10%, at least 11%, at least 12%, at least 13%, at least 14%, at least15%, at least 16%, at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, at least20%, at least 21%, at least 22%, at least 23%, at least 24%, at least25%, at least 26%, at least 27%, at least 28%, at least 29%, at least30%, at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, at least40%, at least 41%, at least 42%, at least 43%, at least 44%, at least45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, at least 49%, at least50%, at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, at least60%, at least 61%, at least 62%, at least 63%, at least 64%, at least65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least70%, at least 71%, at least 72%, at least 73%, at least 74%, at least75%, at least 76%, at least 77%, at least 78%, at least 79%, at least80%, of the H₂O liquid hydrocarbon mix.

Process H₂O—Acoustic Mechanical Treatment and Environmental CleaningUnit

In an embodiment, the invention includes, without limitation, a plant toseparate hydrocarbon from H₂O, including, without limitation, ahydrogen, carbon or sulfur-bonded liquid, and further including, withoutlimitation, a heavy oil, including, without limitation, a highparaffinic crude oil, DilBit or bitumen, hydrocarbon solids blended intoa liquid, by way of separation, comprising: interconnecting by pipelinesa feeding pump; at least one separation tank; and a pre-installedacoustic mechanical device (HE-ART Converter device) for the preliminarytreatment of liquid, wherein the device for the preliminary treatment ofliquid effects resonant excitation of a liquid and the acousticmechanical device (HE-ART Converter) is sequentially installed betweenthe outlet of the feeding pump and the inlet of the separationtank/tanks.

Patents/Patent Applications Incorporated by Reference

The following patents and patent applications are hereby incorporatedherein in their entirety: EP0667386, WO/1994/010261, WO/1994/009894,RU2149886, EP1260266, WO/2003/093398, WO/2003/92884, WO/2011/127512,WO/2002/093398, US 2018/0355260, US 2018/0355261, U.S. Pat. Nos.5,128,043, 6,056,872, 4,210,535, 4,367,143, 4,153,559, 5,227,683,5,269,916, 5,637,226, 5,161,512, 4,568,901, 4,146,479, 4,372,852,4,605,498, 5,122,277, 5,030,344, 5,024,759, EP1233049, RU2215775,US/2008/0156701, WO/2011/086522, EP0667386, WO/1994/010261,WO/1994/009894, RU2060785C1, WO/2011/086522 and RU14022000.

INDUSTRIAL USES VISCOSITY REDUCTION EXAMPLES (FIG. 11) Example1—Reduction of Viscosity on a Waterborne Vessel

A device of the invention is manufactured and fixed onto a river orocean going vessel. The vessel is in the harbor and is brought in closeproximity of the jetty, pier, terminal or other type of dock, or toanother vessel of the same size, smaller size or bigger size. A pipeproviding heavy oil, including but not limited to high paraffinic crudeoil, heavy fuel oil, long residue, including but not limited to flexiblepipe, pipe equipped with a CAM-lock, coming from the shore or the othervessel is connected to a tube that is attached to a pipe that leads intothe device; another pipe providing a diluent including but not limitedto straight run diesel or gasoil, kerosene, naphtha, gas condensate,shale oil, vacuum gasoil, diesel fuel, kerosene fuel, MGO, including butnot limited to flexible pipe, pipe equipped with a CAM-lock, coming fromthe shore or the other vessel is connected to the a tube that isattached to a pipe that leads into the device.

A second flexible pipe is attached to a pipe that is attached to thedevice and which receives the outflow of a liquid put through thedevice. The second flexible pipe is then attached to a connection on thesame vessel as the invention, the second vessel, or on the shore,wherein the connection is attached to a pipe that leads into an emptytank. Following the setup of the device with the jetty, pier, terminalor other type of dock or the second vessel, a heavy oil and a cutter arepumped from the jetty, pier, terminal or other type of dock or thesecond vessel into the HE-ART Converter Device. The HE-ART ConverterDevice is activated and as a result, the heavy oil and the cutter arerecombined in a way that results in an oil product that has a reducedviscosity and/or density. The heavy oil is pumped from the device intothe empty tank on the same vessel as the invention, the second vessel,or on the shore. The number of cutter streams may be 1, 2, 3 or more.However, it must be noted that for distillation, stability improvements,no heating is needed. However, for viscosity improvements, heating viathe ART-TMP process will need to be employed.

Example 2—Reduction of Viscosity on a Sled

A HE-ART Converter device of the invention is manufactured and fixedonto a sled at an oil field. Following collection of a heavy oil,including but not limited to high paraffinic crude oil, bitumen orDilBit, hydrocarbon solids blended into a liquid, but prior to it beingput into a pipeline, the heavy oil is pumped through the HE-ARTConverter Device directly, or blended with a cutter. Through the use ofthe HE-ART Converter Device, the amount of cutter used is reduced toreach desired viscosity targets after using the ART-TMP finishingprocess.

Tank Farm Blending (FIG. 10) Example 1—Tank Farm

A HE-ART Converter Device/Devices of the invention are installed on afixed base where by it is connected to a tank of hydrocarbon basedliquid or hydrocarbon liquid solid blend, destined for general sale. Orthe liquid is passed through the technology pre blended with anappropriate lighter cut and/or a solid hydrocarbon, (like Gas Oil and orwaste Coal) and placed in a heated tank to settle for a period (or onpermanent recirculation for a period of time) before being sold ascommercial fuel. Or the liquid is passed through the HE-ART Convertertechnology and ART-TMP process, and if possible back into the sameheated tank and left to settle for a period (or on permanentrecirculation for a period of time in a heated tank). The results areexpected to show, increased lighter fractions below 350 deg^(C),increased calorific value, lower viscosity, improved pour point, andbetter stability of converted liquid.

FRACTIONATION EXAMPLES (FIG. 9) Example 1—Tank Farm Blending

The HE-ART Converter Device/Devices of the invention are installed on afixed base where by it is connected to a tank of hydrocarbon basedliquid or hydrocarbon liquid solid blend (such as vacuum residue and/orcoal solids) destined for the fractionation tower. This liquid is passedthrough the technology and blended with a specific target cut (likediesel) and either recirculated immediately back into the atmospheric ofvacuum tower etc or placed in a heated tank to settle for a period (oron permanent recirculation for a period of time) before entering thefractionation process. The results will be that the lighter fractionbelow 350 deg^(C) will increase in volume, especially the target cutthat was blended into the liquid prior to fractionation.

Example 3—Atmospheric Distillation

A HE-ART Converter process/Device/Devices of the invention are installedon a fixed base where by it is connected to the atmospheric tower. TheHE-ART Converter process/Device/Devices take a proportion of the towerbottoms and blend with a cutter such as Gas oil, heavy or lightkerosene, heavy naphtha. This is then fed back into the atmospherictower to create more lighter distillates below 350 deg^(C). This willalso increase the target cuts that are a reflection of the cutter thatwas blended into the heavier stream (tower bottoms).

Example 3—Vacuum Distillation

A HE-ART Converter process/Device/Devices of the invention are installedon a fixed base where by it is connected to the atmospheric tower. TheHE-ART Converter process/Device Devices, take up to proportion of thevacuum tower bottoms and blend this with a cutter such as Heavy VacuumGas Oil (HVGO) or Light Vacuum Gas Oil (LVGO). This is then fed backinto the fractionation process to create more lighter distillates below350 deg^(C). This will also increase the target cuts that are areflection of the cutter that was blended into the heavier stream (towerbottoms).

Aspects of the Claims

Aspects of the Present Specification may also be Described as Follows:

1. A method for reducing the viscosity of an at least one liquid,molecular stability of a liquid, and increasing light hydrocarbonfractions using a device configured for resonance excitation of said atleast one liquid, the method comprising the steps of: closing a shutoffvalve of the HE-ART Converter Device; draining the device of air;establishing a flow through the device of the at least one liquid;recording the flow of said liquid using a flow meter of the device;potentially, but not always necessary, diluting the at least one liquidwith a further liquid of relatively lower density by mixing said liquidsusing resonance excitation; if cutter is needed, establishing a desiredratio between said liquids using the flow meter; modulating the flow ofsaid liquids, or liquid, using at least one of a viscometer, a densitymeter, and a mass meter of the HE-ART Converter Device; monitoring theviscosity of said liquids, or liquid, to achieve a desired blend ratiothereof; and performing a fractioning process on said liquids.

2 The method according to embodiment 1, further comprising the step ofpassing through a magnetic flux field produced by solid state magnets(of same, or different strengths or different sizes), one, two, three,four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more times.

3. The method according to embodiment 1&2, further comprising the stepof maintaining an even mixture of at least one liquid for an appropriateperiod of time.

4. The method according to embodiments 1-3, wherein the step ofestablishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of at least oneliquid comprises the step of establishing a flow through the HE-ARTConverter Device of an at least one hydrogen-bonded liquid.

5. The method according to embodiments 1-4, wherein the step ofestablishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of at least onehydrogen-bonded liquid comprises the step of establishing a flow throughthe HE-ART Converter Device of a heavy fuel oil.

6. The method according to embodiments 1-5, wherein the step ofestablishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of a heavy fueloil comprises the step of establishing a flow through the HE-ARTConverter Device of a high paraffinic crude oil.

7. The method according to embodiments 1-6, wherein the step ofperforming a fractioning process comprises the steps of: diverting aportion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected to apreliminary conversion treatment with resonance excitation through aHE-ART Converter Device; combining the diverted portion and non-divertedportion of the general flow of said liquid; and feeding the combinedliquid into a fractioning tower device.

8. The method according to embodiments 1-7, further comprising the stepof subjecting the non-diverted portion of the general flow to apreliminary conversion treatment with resonance excitation.

9. The method according to embodiments 1-8, further comprising the stepsof: returning a portion of a residual fraction from the fractioningtower back into said fractioning tower; and subjecting said returnedresidual fraction to a preliminary conversion treatment with resonanceexcitation through a HE-ART Converter Device.

10. The method according to embodiments 1-9, wherein the step ofdiluting at least one liquid comprises the step of adding a cutter tothe at least one liquid through a cutter line of the HE-ART ConverterDevice.

11. The method according to embodiments 1-10, wherein the step of addinga cutter to the at least one liquid comprises the step of adding a lighthydrocarbon to the at least one liquid to reduce the viscosity andspecific gravity of the at least one liquid.

12. The method according to embodiments 1-11, wherein the step of mixingthe liquids using resonance excitation, with or without solid statemagnets, comprises the steps of: moving the liquids into a cavity of arotor that rotates inside a stator of the HE-ART Converter Device; anddischarging the liquids through a series of outlet openings providedalong a peripheral circumference of the rotor, into an annular chamberformed by a coaxial wall (stator) and the peripheral circumference ofthe rotor, at which point the resonant excitation of the mixture ofliquids is converted.

13. The method according to embodiments 1-12, further comprising thestep of controlling the rotation frequency of the rotor based on atleast one of the liquids viscosity, the pour point of the liquids, flashpoint of the liquids, the asphaltene and wax content of the liquids, theparaffin content of the liquids, the flow temperature of the liquids,the chemical composition of the liquids, the revolutions per minute ofthe motor, and the rheology of the liquids.

14. A method for reducing the viscosity of a liquid and increasing lighthydrocarbon fractions of an at least one liquid using a deviceconfigured for resonance excitation, with or without solid statemagnets, of at least one liquid. The method comprising the steps of:establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of the at leastone liquid; recording the flow of said liquid using a flow meter;diluting at least one liquid with a further liquid of relatively lowerdensity by mixing said liquids using resonance excitation with orwithout solid state magnets; establishing a desired ratio between saidliquids using the flow meter; modulating the flow of said liquids usingat least one of a viscometer, a density meter, and a mass meter of theHE-ART Converter Device; monitoring the viscosity of said liquids toachieve a desired blend ratio thereof; diverting a portion of a generalflow of said liquid to be subjected to a preliminary converted treatmentwith resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets;combining the diverted converted portion and non-diverted portion of thegeneral flow of said liquid; and feeding the combined liquid into afractioning tower downstream of the HE-ART Converter Device.

15. A method for increasing light hydrocarbon fractions of a heavy fueloil using a device configured for resonance excitation, with or withoutsolid state magnets, of said oil, the method comprising the steps of:establishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of the fuel oil;recording the flow of the fuel oil using a flow meter of the HE-ARTConverter Device; diluting the fuel oil with a light hydrocarbon liquidof relatively lower density by mixing the fuel oil and hydrocarbonliquid using resonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets;establishing a desired ratio between said liquids using the flow meter;modulating the flow of said liquids using at least one of a viscometer,a density meter, and a mass meter of the device; monitoring theviscosity of said liquids to achieve a desired blend ratio thereof;diverting a portion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected toa preliminary conversion treatment with resonance excitation; combiningthe diverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow ofsaid liquid; and feeding the combined liquid into a fractioning towerdownstream of the HE-ART Converter Device.

16. A method for reducing the viscosity liquid and increasing lighthydrocarbon fractions of a heavy fuel oil using a device configured forresonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets, of said oil,the method comprising the steps of: establishing a flow through theHE-ART Converter Device of the hydrocarbon liquid, or; recording theflow of the fuel oil using a flow meter of the device; diluting the fueloil with a light hydrocarbon liquid of relatively lower density bymixing the fuel oil and hydrocarbon liquid using resonance excitation,with or without solid state magnets; establishing a desired ratiobetween said liquids using the flow meter; modulating the flow of saidliquids using at least one of a viscometer, a density meter, and a massmeter of the device; monitoring the viscosity of said liquids to achievea desired blend ratio thereof; a portion of a general flow of saidliquid to be subjected to a preliminary conversion treatment withresonance excitation, with or without solid state magnets; combining thediverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of saidliquid; and diverting the processed liquid through the ART-TMP process,whereby it will go through a period of heat and time to effect theviscosity reduction process.

17. The method according to embodiments 1-2, wherein the step ofestablishing a flow through the HE-ART Converter Device of hydrocarbonliquid blended with H₂O, where by the Hydrocarbon liquid is separatedfrom the H₂O.

In closing, it is to be understood that although aspects of the presentspecification are highlighted by referring to specific embodiments, oneskilled in the art will readily appreciate that these disclosedembodiments are only illustrative of the principles of the subjectmatter disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that thedisclosed subject matter is in no way limited to a particularmethodology, protocol, and/or reagent, etc., described herein. As such,various modifications or changes to or alternative configurations of thedisclosed subject matter can be made in accordance with the teachingsherein without departing from the spirit of the present specification.Lastly, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope ofthe present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely asshown and described.

Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein,including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out theinvention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments willbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading theforegoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employsuch variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the presentinvention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein.Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalentsof the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permittedby applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-describedembodiments in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by theinvention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the presentinvention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member maybe referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with othergroup members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or moremembers of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group asmodified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groupsused in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic,item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in thepresent specification and claims are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about”means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, orterm so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent aboveand below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity,parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to thecontrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, andnot as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope ofthe invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values setforth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges ofvalues herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate numerical value falling withinthe range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of anumerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if itwere individually recited herein.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context ofdescribing the present invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to betterilluminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on thescope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the presentspecification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed elementessential to the practice of the invention.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in theclaims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. Whenused in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, thetransition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, oringredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consistingessentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materialsor steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristic(s). Embodiments of the present invention so claimed areinherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

All patents, patent publications, and other publications referenced andidentified in the present specification are individually and expresslyincorporated herein by reference in their entirety for the purpose ofdescribing and disclosing, for example, the compositions andmethodologies described in such publications that might be used inconnection with the present invention. These publications are providedsolely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the presentapplication. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admissionthat the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure byvirtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as tothe date or representation as to the contents of these documents isbased on the information available to the applicants and does notconstitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contentsof these documents.

It should be understood that the logic code, programs, modules,processes, methods, and the order in which the respective elements ofeach method are performed are purely exemplary. Depending on theimplementation, they may be performed in any order or in parallel,unless indicated otherwise in the present disclosure.

While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to atleast one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by thoseskilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather,the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction withthe appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s)believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for reducing the viscosity andincreasing light hydrocarbon fractions using acoustic mechanicalvibrations and a magnetic flux field of a first liquid using a devicethat is capable of producing a resonance excitation of said liquid, themethod comprising the steps of: a. closing a shutoff valve of thedevice; b. draining the device of air; c. establishing a flow throughthe device of the first liquid; d. recording the flow of the firstliquid using a flow meter of the device. e. converting the first liquidusing resonance excitation; f. establishing if the converted materialshould be recirculated, and to what percentage, back into the first andor second liquid mix for a multiple exposure to resonance excitation. g.If the first liquid needs additional cutter liquid, mixing the firstliquid with one or more other liquids which have a lower viscosity; h.producing a preferred viscosity by determining an optimal ratio betweenthe first liquid and the one or more other liquids using a flow meter;i. modulating the flow of said liquids using at least one of aviscometer, a density meter, or a mass meter; and, j. monitoring theviscosity of said liquids to achieve a preferred blend ratio thereof;and performing a fractioning process on said liquids. k. placing theprocessed liquid through a heating system and into a reciprocal,selected from a heated tank, heated pipeline and/or a heated tanker fora period of curing time to effect the viscosity improvement.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the one or more liquids mixed with the firstliquid are of a lower density than the first liquid.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more liquids constitute a diluent.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first liquid is bitumen, paraffin wax orother heavy oil.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first liquidcomprises a mixture of two or more other liquids or liquids mixed withsolids.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first liquid is DilBit ora heavy hydrocarbon liquid.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprisingthe step of heating the first liquid.
 8. The method of claim 7, whereinthe first liquid is heated to a temperature equal to or above theInitial Boiling Point of the first liquid;
 9. The method of claim 1,wherein the inlet pressure of the first liquid is maintained at aminimum of 1 bar (or 14.504 psi) and not higher than 10 bar (or 145.038psi).
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the discharge pressure of an atleast one liquid is maintained at a pressure equal to at least thesuction pressure.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pressure doesnot exceed 10 bar (145.038 PSI) above the suction pressure.
 12. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the first liquid is a hydrogen-bonded liquid.13. The method of claim 12, wherein the hydrogen-bonded liquid is aheavy fuel oil.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first liquid isa high paraffinic crude oil.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein thefirst liquid is a Bitumen, DilBit, Dilsynbit, Neatbit, Railbit, Synbit,Treater Blend DilBit, standard DilBit, lightened Dilbit, enhancedDilBit, emulsion, conventional light oil, conventional oil medium,convention oil heavy, sweet oil, sour oil, hydrocarbon liquid blendedwith coal, hydrocarbon mixed with H₂O.
 16. The method of claim 1,wherein the fractioning process comprises: a. diverting a portion of ageneral flow of the first liquid and treating the first liquid toresonance excitation; b. establishing if the converted material shouldbe recirculated, and to what percentage, back into the first and orsecond liquid mix for a multiple exposure to resonance excitation. c.combining the diverted portion of the converted first liquid and anon-diverted portion of the general flow of said, first liquid; and, d.feeding the combined liquid into a fractioning tower.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the non-diverted portion of the general flow is alsotreated with resonance excitation.
 18. The method of claim 16, whereinthe steps of: a. returning a portion of a residual fraction from thefractioning tower back into the fractioning tower; and b. subjecting thereturned residual fraction to a preliminary conversion treatment withresonance excitation.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofdiluting the first liquid comprises the addition of a diluent to thefirst liquid, and further wherein, the diluent is provided through aseparate line in the device.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein thefirst liquid is mixed with one or more other liquids, wherein the one ormore other liquids are a light hydrocarbon, and further wherein, theaddition of the one or more other liquids reduces the viscosity and/orspecific gravity of the first liquid.
 21. The method of claim 19,wherein the first liquid is mixed with a condensate, and furtherwherein, the addition of the condensate reduces one or more of theviscosity or specific gravity of the first liquid.
 22. The method ofclaim 19, wherein the first liquid is mixed with a Hydrocarbon Diluent,and further wherein, the addition of the Hydrocarbon Diluent reduces oneor more of the viscosity or specific gravity of the first liquid. 23.The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing of the first liquid and theone or more other liquids is done using resonance excitation generatedby an electric motor producing 2950-2999 RPM.
 24. The method of claim 1,wherein the mixing of the first liquid and the one or more other liquidsis done using a resonance excitation generating a frequency between 1kHz-64 kHz
 25. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing of the firstliquid and the one or more other liquids are passed through a solidstate magnetic flux field of no less than: Coercive force: 12.3 kOe, 955KA/mg; Magnetic induction: 13.0-13.2 kG; Magnetic energy: 40-42 MG-Oe,318-342 KJ/m3.
 26. The method of claim 1, wherein the mixing of thefirst liquid and the one or more other liquids using an electric motorto produce the basic frequency of resonance excitation.
 27. The methodof claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the first liquid is reduced by: a.moving the first liquid and one or more other liquids into a cavity of arotor, accelerated by an inner impeller comprised of a set of backwardscurved, aero foiled centrifugal blades, that rotates inside a singlewalled stator of the device; and b. discharging the liquids through aseries of outlet openings provided along a peripheral circumference ofthe rotor, into an annular chamber formed by a coaxial wall (stator) andthe peripheral circumference of the rotor, at which point the resonantexcitation of the mixture of liquids is converted.
 28. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the viscosity of the first liquid is reduced usingresonance excitation, with or without solid state magnetic influence by:a. moving the first liquid and one or more other liquids into a cavityof a rotor, accelerated by an inner impeller comprised of a set ofbackwards curved, aero foiled centrifugal blades, that rotates inside astator of the device; and b. discharging the liquids through a series ofoutlet openings provided along a peripheral circumference of the rotor,into an annular chamber formed by a coaxial wall (stator) and theperipheral circumference of the rotor, at which point the resonantexcitation of the mixture of liquids is affected. c. Passing the pre andpost processed liquid through a solid state magnetic flux field. d.Putting the processed liquid into a heated environment for a period oftime.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the step of controlling therotation frequency of the rotor is based one or more of the followingfactors, the viscosity of the first and one or more other liquids, thepour point, flash point of the first and one or more other liquids, theasphaltene and wax content of the first and one or more other liquids,the paraffin content of the first and one or more other liquids, theflow temperature of the first and one or more other liquids, thechemical composition of the first and one or more other liquids, and therheology of the first and one or more other liquids.
 30. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first liquid is maintained in a heated storagevessel following resonance excitation with or without solid statemagnetic influence, further wherein, the resonance excitation, with orwithout solid state magnetic influence, was for a time period of no lessthan 1 minute and no more than 10 hours following the exposure of thefirst liquid to the resonance excitation. This heat and time process isknown as ART-TMP, or a “Thermal Maturing Period”.
 31. The method ofclaim 29,wherein the first liquid is maintained in a general productpipe line, which can store the first liquid following exposure of thefirst liquid to the resonance excitation, with or without solid statemagnetic influence.
 32. The method of claim 1, wherein at least aportion, between 1%-100%, of the first liquid is diverted, recirculatedback into the preprocessed inflow into the device following the exit ofthe first liquid from the device.
 33. The method of claim 23, whereinthe rotation frequency (RPM) of the rotor is determined based on atleast one of, the viscosity of the first liquid and/or the one or moreliquids, the pour point the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids,flash point of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids, theasphaltene and wax content of the first liquid and/or the one or moreliquids, the paraffin content of the first liquid and/or the one or moreliquids, the flow temperature of the first liquid and/or the one or moreliquids, the chemical composition of the first liquid and/or the one ormore liquids, the frequency of the rotor in the HE-ART Converter Device,and the rheology of the first liquid and/or the one or more liquids. 34.The method of claim 1 wherein a flow through the device of the firstliquid and/or the one or more liquids comprises the step of installingsolid state magnets on the casing of the device configured for resonanceexcitation.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the solid state magnetsare installed on the inlet flange of the device configured for resonanceexcitation.
 36. The method of claim 34, wherein the solid state magnetsare installed on the discharge flange of the device configured forresonance excitation.
 37. The method of claim 34, wherein the solidstate magnets are installed on the diluent line of the device configuredfor resonance excitation.
 38. The method of claim 32, wherein the solidstate magnets are installed on the recirculation line of the deviceconfigured for resonance excitation.
 39. The method of claim 28, whereinthe heating of the first liquid occurs once and further wherein, thefirst liquid is heated to a temperature of 30° C.-99° C. to complete theprocess of resonant excitation of an at least one liquid.
 40. The methodof claim 1 wherein the flow one of the first liquid is mediated throughthe installation on the device of additional gaskets that are comprisedof one or more of copper, zinc or other materials of natural mineralorigin on the intake flange of the device, and further wherein theadditional gaskets are configured for resonance excitation.
 41. Themethod of claim 28, wherein the pre-installation of the additionalgaskets that are comprised of one or more of copper, zinc or othermaterials of natural mineral origin on the discharge flange of thedevice and further wherein the additional gaskets are configured forresonance excitation.
 42. The method of claim 28, wherein thepre-installation of insulation kits on all bolts and flanges.
 43. Theseare comprised of nylon sleeves, natural gaskets and O-ring seals so asto reduce frequency travel along the process flow piping.
 43. A methodfor increasing the molecular stability and increasing light hydrocarbonfractions using acoustic mechanical vibrations and a solid statemagnetic flux field of the first liquid using a device configured forresonance excitation of said first liquid, the method comprising thesteps of: a. establishing a flow through the device of the first liquid;b. recording the flow of the first liquid using a flow meter of thedevice; c. diluting the first liquid with a one or more other liquids ofrelatively lower density wherein the first liquid and the one or moreother liquids are mixed using resonance excitation; d. establishing adesired ratio between the first liquid and the one or more other liquidsusing the flow meter; e. modulating the flow of the first liquid and theone or more other liquids using at least one or more of, a viscometer, adensity meter, or a mass meter; f. monitoring the viscosity of the firstliquid and the one or more other liquids to achieve a desired blendratio of the first liquid and the one or more other liquids; g.recirculating a portion of a general flow of the first liquid and theone or more other liquids that is subjected to a preliminary treatmentwith resonance excitation; h. combining the diverted portion andnon-diverted portion of the general flow of the first liquid and the oneor more other liquids; and i. feeding the combined first liquid and theone or more other liquids into a fractioning tower.
 44. A method forreducing the viscosity and increasing light hydrocarbon fractions usingacoustic mechanical vibrations and a solid state magnetic flux field ofa heavy fuel oil using a device configured for resonance excitation ofsaid heavy fuel oil, the method comprising the steps of: a. establishinga flow through the device of the heavy fuel oil; b. recording the flowof the heavy fuel oil using a flow meter; c. diluting the heavy fuel oilwith a light hydrocarbon liquid of relatively lower density by mixingthe heavy fuel oil and hydrocarbon liquid using resonance excitation; d.establishing a desired ratio between said liquids using the flow meter;e. modulating the flow of said liquids using at least one of, aviscometer, a density meter, and a mass meter; f. monitoring theviscosity of said liquids to achieve a desired blend ratio thereof; g.recirculating a portion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjectedto a preliminary treatment with resonance excitation; h. combining thediverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of saidliquid; and i. feeding the combined liquid into a fractioning tower. 45.A method for separating hydrocarbon material from H₂O using a deviceconfigured for resonance excitation of said Hydrocarbon polluted H₂O,the method comprising the steps of: a. establishing a flow through thedevice of the Hydrocarbon and H₂O mixed liquid; b. Establishing the needfor diverting a portion of the resonance excitation processed materialor allowing all the processed material to go to point e. c. diverting aportion of a general flow of said liquid to be subjected to apreliminary treatment with resonance excitation; d. combining thediverted portion and non-diverted portion of the general flow of saidliquid; and e. feeding the combined processed liquid into settling tankfor a period of time between 1 hr and 48 hrs. f. After the settlingperiod completes. Using industry standard techniques, extract eachstratified liquid separately.
 46. A method for reducing the viscosityand increasing light hydrocarbon fractions using acoustic mechanicalvibrations and a solid state magnetic flux field of a heavy fuel oilusing a device configured for resonance excitation of said heavy fueloil, the method comprising the steps of: j. establishing a flow throughthe device of the heavy hydrocarbon liquid; k. recording the flow of theheavy hydrocarbon liquid using a flow meter; l. diluting the heavyhydrocarbon liquid oil with a light hydrocarbon liquid of relativelylower density by mixing the heavy hydrocarbon liquid and lighterhydrocarbon liquid using resonance excitation with or without solidstate magnetic flux influence; m. establishing a desired ratio betweensaid liquids using the flow meter; n. modulating the flow of saidliquids using at least one of, a viscometer, a density meter, and a massmeter; o. monitoring the viscosity of said liquids to achieve a desiredblend ratio thereof; p. recirculating a portion of a general flow ofsaid liquid to be subjected to a preliminary treatment with resonanceexcitation; q. combining the diverted portion and non-diverted portionof the general flow of said liquid; and r. placing the processedmaterial into a heated environment for a period of time to effect thelowering of viscosity.